The chart is one of our standard charts, so it's exactly like our patterns for sale. The only part you don't get is the cover page, which has a color picture of the pattern, but you can print the picture from the web site.

What do I have to do to win a cross stitch pattern based on my suggestion?

Usually, you must be the FIRST person to suggest a picture or portion of a picture. (However, if the first person does not claim their free pattern within 2 weeks, you may still have a chance at it.) You must also make a SPECIFIC suggestion, identifying the artist and title you have in mind.

It is helpful if you can send us a picture or a link to a picture. There are many artists who painted several pictures with the same title. You don't have to, though. If we need clarification about exactly which picture you're suggesting, we'll let you know.

Some things that don't work well are pictures with a lot of small detail, and pictures where the original has become very dirty or faded. Pictures with a lot of people usually have to be very large -- there needs to be at least one stitch per eye or the people turn into monsters. We also prefer not to use pictures protected by copyright.

When will I know if you're going to design a pattern from my suggestion?

We will let you know after you make a suggestion whether you are the first to make that suggestion or not. This may take 2-3 weeks. Beyond that, we can't give any definite timeframe except to say that you will probably need to be patient. Be sure to let us know if your email address changes. Go to Member Services to change your email address.

Yes, please suggest as many as you like, but not all at once. Please limit it to a FEW per week. Checking and processing suggestions is time-consuming. We will not process emails with dozens of suggestions.

As a member, you'll receive our free email newsletter (sent monthly) which is filled with news, tips, and advance notice of sales. You'll also be able to download our free rose pattern. Occasionally we also have special offers and sales which are available only to members.

You probably typed your email address incorrectly. Try joining again (this doesn't put you in our list twice). Or if you use a spam filter which requires unapproved senders to confirm, you will need to add sq @ scarletquince.com to your whitelist (removing the blanks).

If you have tried to subscribe a couple of times, are sure you typed your email address correctly, but never got the confirmation email, please let us know. If you have confirmed your membership and didn't get the welcoming email, our membership services page includes a way to get to the download page. Just enter your email address.

There isn't currently a login for members. Retailers who have a wholesale account have a login, and can contact us if they forget it. The forums do have a login, and a way to recover your password if you forget it.

One is a link to a regular print pattern; the other is a large print pattern. They are exactly the same pattern, but the print sizes are different. You can preview the difference in this one-page comparison of print sizes. You are also welcome to download both patterns and see which you like better. All our patterns are available in both regular print and large print.

Yes, if you right-click the link you'll get a menu which gives you the option to save the free pattern to a file instead of just opening it. Depending on your browser, this option is called "Save link target as..." or "Save target as...". Be sure that the save file name has .pdf as its extension. Once you have specified a file name, a popup will show you how much of the file has downloaded.

I got to the download page and I have Acrobat Reader, but nothing happened when I clicked the "Download and open" link - why?

On a slow connection, it can appear that nothing is happening while the pattern downloads. Eventually you should see Acrobat Reader start. Be sure you have waited long enough for the pattern to download.

Why can't I find the free pattern on my computer after I downloaded it?

If you just click on the link to open the pattern, the pattern is displayed in Adobe Reader, but you must explicitly save it if you don't want to download it again the next time you want to look at it.

They really are all there but the symbols in the chart are a little smaller than the symbols in the key. Sometimes parts of the symbols in the chart don't print completely, especially at low resolution or draft quality. Try printing the chart at the highest resolution/quality available.

Floss labels are small adhesive labels, one per solid color or blended color used in a chart. They are printed with the floss number(s) and the chart symbol for that color or blend, and include color swatches. You can stick them to your floss bobbins or bags and save some time getting set up as you begin a new pattern. You can read more about them on our floss labels page.

You certainly can — the labels are just a nicety. But it's helpful to have the symbols on your bobbins, and some people don't like drawing them. The labels also make a great way of checking that you really have all the floss colors for your pattern. The color swatches are helpful, too, to keep you from putting floss back on the wrong bobbin.

It will be emailed to you after we process your payment. This may take up to 1 business day. Each item you order will come as an attachment to a separate email. If you don't get an email confirming your order, please get in touch with us or we won't be able to send your pattern.

No, we have opted not to use any kind of digital rights management. It would be expensive for us and annoying for you. We believe that most stitchers are honest and will not share the patterns if reminded that doing so is illegal.

The label sheets that we use for printed floss labels are not a type available at office supply stores, so the electronic labels have lines printed on them to guide you in cutting them apart. You can print them out onto plain paper and tape or glue them to your floss holders, or buy whole-sheet labels such as Avery 8165 (inkjet) or Avery 5265 (laser) or the equivalent.

No. Electronic patterns and floss labels are not returnable. No refunds will be given for any reason, so if you have not ordered from us before, have a look at the free pattern first to be sure you know what you are getting.

They are for your use only, and to remind you, the pattern covers are watermarked with your name across the picture. The chart pages are watermarked in the margins. Floss label pages are also watermarked in the margin.

Yes, it does. Our patterns are copyrighted and protected by international laws and treaties. This means that you are not allowed to do anything that increases the number of copies in circulation. You may not give away or sell printed or electronic copies. You may not post copies on the internet under any circumstances.

You should make sure you can open a PDF attached to an email before you order electronic patterns. There is a link on the last page of checkout which will let you send yourself a PDF. You should make sure you receive the PDF and can open it before you finish and pay.

Our patterns call for stitching with 2 strands of floss. Solid colors use 2 strands of the same color, and blended colors use 1 strand each of 2 different colors. This simulates an intermediate color. When using a blended color, it's important to keep the floss untwisted so both colors show.

Yes, since there are no partial stitches, but it would probably be too difficult to convert the colors to wool. We would recommend using 18-count canvas and stitching with 6 strands of DMC floss (3 strands of each color for blends).

Patterns in which the background is not stitched are designed so that edge stitches shade into the fabric color, creating a smooth edge look. This means designing for a particular fabric color. If you used a different fabric color, the shading stitches would stick out instead of blending.

We highly recommend a magnifying light, such as the Dazor brand. This makes stitching so much easier. You can use anything you like to hold the fabric taut, but we recommend using a scroll frame, ideally on a floor stand. You can read more in the equipment section of our cross stitch tips page.

We have some tutorials on stitching basics and advanced techniques. We've tried to provide comprehensive cross stitch tips and instruction as well. Have a look there, and if you still have questions, let us know!

The print size of the large print patterns is about 50% larger than the regular print patterns (which are a standard size for cross stitch patterns). The charts themselves are exactly the same, except that, since the print is larger, the large print patterns require more pages to print. Print this page to see how the sizes compare.

Yes, you may, provided you destroy the copy when you are done stitched. You may not enlarge the chart, however, unless you have bought the large print version and it is still too small for you. (Large print patterns say "Large print" on the cover. Patterns without that label may not be enlarged.) If you need permission for a copy shop, print this page to show them.

High stitch count fabric means smaller stitches, which give better coverage of the fabric. This makes the illusion of a painting more real than obvious X's would. Also, it may be difficult to find a piece of fabric large enough to work some of our patterns at 12- or 14-count.

You can use any evenweave fabric you like, but consider whether any of the fabric is going to show in the finished piece. If the background is not stitched, or you want to frame it so that there is an exposed border around the piece, we like linen. If no fabric will show, you might as well use Aida and save a little money. This is discussed at more length in our tips section under Fabric.

Unfortunately many general craft stores don't stock all the colors, especially not the most recent additions to the DMC line. Usually a shop specializing in needlework will have all the colors. If you don't have such a shop locally, check the list of retailers -- most of them will be glad to help you. There are also lots of web sites which sell cross stitch supplies.

We don't recommend any particular site. Try doing a web search for "DMC floss" or whatever you need. Be sure to shop around as prices vary widely, and service too. Some places will cut fabric to the exact dimensions you require, while others only sell fixed sizes.

When you see a pattern you like, click "add to cart". By default, this will be a regular print pattern. If you want the large print version, set the toggle to large print before you click "add to cart". If you want to include floss labels, check "include floss labels". You can add as many patterns as you like to your cart. When you're ready to complete your order, click "check out now" from the shopping cart.

Can I find out what the shipping charges to my location will be before I order?

Yes, just add the patterns you're considering to your cart. The cart shows the shipping for the United States. If you're in another country change the destination to your country, then click the recalculate button.

We accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express, Diners Club, JCB, PayPal, money orders made out in US dollars, and personal checks drawn on US bank accounts. When you pay via PayPal, you can also use an electronic check (from a US bank account).

It's just like a paper check, except that there is no paper! You supply a check number and your account information and the money is withdrawn from your checking account. Note that PayPal enforces a clearing period for all electronic checks.

Besides the patterns you are ordering, we need your name and shipping address, your email address or a phone number, and how you want to pay. If you are using a credit card we also need your billing address, credit card number and the expiration date.

Besides the credit cards listed above, you can get a money order in US dollars at many banks outside the US. Western Union and MoneyGram allow you to send a money order electronically. PayPal is also available to people in about 190 countries (see list)

Yes, you will receive an email confirmation right after you order, and another email when your order actually ships. (If you don't receive the confirmation of your order, please send us an email — you may have mistyped your email address.)

Yes! Many shops carry them and we encourage you to buy from them. There is a list of retailers under the Solutions tab. If you don't see your local shop in the list, check with them about ordering for you.

Yes, if you feel uncomfortable ordering online and don't have a shop nearby, there is an order form you can print, fill out, and fax or mail to us. You can also phone us toll free at (888) 469-1374. Please note that we are a small business and the phones are not answered 24/7. If you will leave your phone number we WILL call you back.

We normally fill orders the next business day after receiving your payment, unless you are a first-time buyer paying with a personal check. In that case we hold your order until your check has cleared, about 5 business days.

It depends on the method of shipping you chose. In the US, first class mail usually takes 3-5 days, with priority mail about the same or a little less. Express Mail is overnight to most areas. For international orders, the Postal Service's estimate of delivery time is shown for each shipping option in the cart and when you check out. However, occasionally mail does take the long way around and the delivery time can vary widely.

The US Postal Service ONLY provides tracking with Express Mail. If you request Express Mail shipping, we will give you a tracking number. Tracking is not available for other classes of service. (Delivery Confirmation and Signature Confirmation only tell whether the package has arrived or not. They're designed more for the shipper than the recipient.)

I have waited a long time and my order still hasn't arrived — now what?

Sometimes the mail does take longer than seems justified but almost always things do arrive. We don't use tracking so we can't tell you where your package is, but if it seems likely that it has gotten lost we will send you a replacement. We have had very, very few shipments actually get lost.

No, our patterns are already discounted. While it's fun to feel you're getting something free, sites that offer "buy 2, get 1 free" just charge more for their patterns. We want everyone to get our best price even if they only want one pattern.

What is the "fixed scale view" link on the individual pattern page for?

The pictures of the patterns on the individual pattern page are sized to fit that page. Much as in a road atlas where the map of each state fills one page, some pictures will have much more detail than others, and the stitch size varies from picture to picture. The fixed scale view link shows the pictures with a constant stitch size (stitches are 2 pixels on a side). Usually, but not always, the fixed scale view will be larger and more detailed than the view on the individual pattern page. This is useful for comparing different patterns of the same picture, and getting an idea of the relative sizes of the patterns.

The site is written in English, but the Google Translate button at the top of each page allows you to see pages in other languages. The translation is done automatically and may not always be accurate. Unfortunately, we have no control over this.

Cookies are small pieces of information that are stored on your local computer by some of the sites you visit. They let sites "remember" things about you as you move from page to page. We use them to record the contents of your shopping cart. No one can see a cookie except you and the site that set that particular cookie.

We may not have sent one since you subscribed. Or, if you didn't receive the confirming email at the time, you may have typed your email address incorrectly. Try subscribing again. It's also possible that you have an overactive spam blocker. If you use a system that sends an email requiring a person to click a link, you won't get the newsletter until you add sq @ scarletquince.com to your whitelist (remove the spaces).

If we have your current email address, the most common reason for an email to bounce is that your inbox is full. The next most likely reason is that you (or your ISP) have a spam blocker that filtered it out. Even if you have the type of spam blocker that asks the sender to reply you will not receive the newsletter as it is sent by software, not a person. Finally, very occasionally there are bounces that are just a mistake.